What does 3 John 1:14 mean?

Explanation

3 John 1:14 is the concluding verse of the third epistle of John, presumably authored by John the Apostle. Here, the writer expresses a personal hope to see the recipient of the letter ('thee'), whom he addresses with affection, indicating that they have a close relationship.

"Shortly see thee" suggests an anticipation of a near-future meeting.

The phrase "speak face to face" emphasizes the preference for personal interaction over written communication, which was more meaningful and allowed for more in-depth conversation.

"Peace be to thee" is a common biblical benediction wishing the recipient well-being and wholeness.

In this context, it serves as both a farewell and a blessing.

When the author mentions "Our friends salute thee.

Greet the friends by name," he points to a shared community between the author and the recipient, highlighting the importance of personal relationships within the early Christian community.

This personalization of the greeting, "by name," also underscores the value placed on individual members of the community.

Historical Context

The third epistle of John is a personal letter written in the latter part of the first century, likely between 85-95 AD.

The exact historical context is not as clearly defined for 3 John as it is for some other biblical texts, but it is generally understood to have been written during a time of early church establishment and growth.

The apostle John, traditionally considered the author, wrote to a Christian leader named Gaius.

The social setting of the time involved small Christian house churches that were emerging within the larger Greco-Roman culture. Personal letters such as this one were essential for maintaining relationships, doctrinal purity, and pastoral care within the fledgling Christian communities.

Theological Insights

From a theological viewpoint, this verse emphasizes several key concepts:

• The incarnation as a value: The preference for face-to-face interaction may reflect the theology of incarnation, where the Word became flesh and dwelt among people, as stated in John 1:14.

Personal presence is valued above written words.

• Community: The recognition of friends and the personal nature of this greeting reflect the early Christian understanding of koinonia, or fellowship, an important aspect of Christian living.
• Peace as a blessing: Offering peace is consistent with Christian teaching, where Jesus is seen as the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

Different theological traditions may emphasize various aspects of this verse, from the importance of Christian fellowship to the anticipation of Jesus’ second coming (parousia), where believers will meet the Lord face to face.

Practical Applications

The message of 3 John 1:14 can be applied in contemporary life in the following ways:

• Prioritizing personal relationships and community engagement as important aspects of faith practice.
• Striving to communicate directly and personally where possible, both within church settings and in personal life.
• Offering blessings and well-wishes to others as an expression of Christian love and fellowship.
• Remembering to acknowledge and value each individual within a community.

Cross-References

• Philippians 4:9 - "And the God of peace shall be with you."
• 1 Thessalonians 3:10 - "Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?"
• Romans 16:16 - "Salute one another with an holy kiss.

The churches of Christ salute you."

• 1 Peter 5:14 - "Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity.

Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus.

Amen."

Language Study

In the original Greek, several key words stand out:

• "Shortly" (ταχέως, tacheōs): Indicates speed or quickness, suggesting that the author intends to visit soon.
• "Face to face" (πρόσωπον πρὸς πρόσωπον, prosōpon pros prosōpon): A literal translation that emphasizes direct, personal presence.
• "Peace" (εἰρήνη, eirēnē): Commonly used as a greeting or farewell in the New Testament, wishing for wholeness or well-being.

Understanding the original terms helps in grasping the immediacy, intimacy, and warmth contained in the writer's words.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Within the context of other ancient cultures, personal letters that included greetings and blessings were quite common.

For example, Egyptian and Mesopotamian cultures also placed value on direct communication and personal greetings, which were sometimes written on papyrus or clay tablets.

In terms of religious comparisons, Judaism, from which Christianity emerged, also emphasized the importance of peace (shalom in Hebrew) as a blessing.

In the Greco-Roman world, letter writing was an established method of maintaining relationships across distances, and personal greetings were standard practice.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse does not directly engage with scientific discourse, contemporary understanding of communication and relationship-building aligns with the importance given to face-to-face interactions in the verse.

Psychological studies often suggest that in-person communication is more effective for building trust and understanding due to the presence of non-verbal cues and immediate feedback.

commentaries

Various experts and biblical commentaries offer insights into this verse:

• The Expositor's Bible Commentary highlights the affection and warmth John holds for the reader and the community he is addressing.
• Matthew Henry's Commentary centers on the joy and anticipation of Christian fellowship and the writer's pastoral concern.
• The New International Commentary on the New Testament suggests that John may have been reluctant to detail certain issues in writing, preferring the nuanced communication of a face-to-face discussion.
• John MacArthur notes the value of personal interaction for deeper spiritual encouragement and accountability within the church community.